The Beautiful Creatures Tarot represents a contemporary approach to traditional tarot, blending artistic vision with spiritual exploration. This deck, created by J.r. Rivera and illustrated by Jasmine Becket-Griffith, serves as a tool for individuals seeking to understand the human condition, explore their inner selves, and navigate life's complexities through the symbolism of mythical and legendary creatures. It is designed to guide users toward finding clarity, faith, and positive energy, offering a unique interpretation of the tarot that resonates with modern spiritual seekers.
Overview of the Beautiful Creatures Tarot
The Beautiful Creatures Tarot is a 21st-century interpretation of the tarot, structured around the traditional suits, Major Arcana, and Minor Arcana. The deck's primary function is to act as a guide for "monsters and dreamers," helping users discover how they can become the beautiful creatures they are meant to be. It encourages readers to find beauty in everything, even during difficult times, and to explore the spiritual and exotic world where questions are answered with love, honesty, and clarity.
Deck Composition and Structure
The deck has evolved through different editions, with the Second Edition offering significant updates and enhancements.
- First Edition: This original version established the deck's reputation, winning the 2015 American Tarot Association's Reader's Choice Award for Best Tarot Deck, the 2015 International Tarot Foundation's CARTA Award for Best Tarot Deck, and the 2016 Coalition of Visionary Resources's Visionary Award for Iconic Product.
- Second Edition: Revised and updated, this edition contains 80 gilded tarot cards. It includes two extra "Wild" cards and four brand-new images. The cards depict mythical and legendary creatures, designed to guide users to a place where problems are left behind. The Second Edition was published by Red Feather on April 28, 2017, in English, with a weight of 1.95 pounds and dimensions of 9x2x6 inches.
Artistic Vision and Symbolism
The artwork by Jasmine Becket-Griffith is a defining feature of the deck. The illustrations utilize a lovely color palette, shading, hues, and silhouetted images that are described as a work of art. The imagery flirts with romantic gothic Lolita manga styles while merging with tarot foundations. The creatures depicted are described as child-like, playful, serious, and friendly. This visual approach is intended to engage the reader's child-like wonder, which is believed to open the portal of intuition. The symbolism focuses on the idea that we are all "beautiful monsters" and that the tarot helps reveal the authentic self.
The Companion Guide and Methodologies
The Second Edition includes a full-color companion guide that provides essential instructions and context for using the deck. This guide is crucial for understanding the specific meanings and applications of the Beautiful Creatures Tarot.
Content of the Companion Guide
The companion guide is 168 pages long and offers diverse messages to aid in self-discovery. It features: * New Commentary: Interspersed commentary provides background stories for the creatures and messages that apply to daily life. * Six New Spreads: The guide includes six new tarot spreads designed to address various questions, from big to small and complex to simple. * Astrological Game: A new astrological game is included to play with the cards, enhancing the attraction to the deck's creatures and offering an additional method for engagement.
User Experience and Spiritual Connection
The deck is designed to be accessible, helping users connect with their inner animal and protect themselves from "real monsters" in their lives. By using the symbolism and imagery of the tarot, it aims to help individuals understand themselves and others more deeply. The process encourages users to lose themselves within the authenticity of the creatures' world. The goal is to restore faith and positive energy, leaving problems far behind. The guide emphasizes that one should not shy away from these beautiful creatures but rather embrace their world to discover the answers being sought.
Awards and Recognition
The Beautiful Creatures Tarot has received significant recognition within the tarot community, validating its quality and appeal.
- 2015 American Tarot Association's Reader's Choice Award: Best Tarot Deck (1st Edition).
- 2015 International Tarot Foundation's CARTA Awards: Best Tarot Deck (1st Edition) and Best First Work - Author (J.R. Rivera).
- 2016 Coalition of Visionary Resources's Visionary Awards: Iconic Product (1st Edition) and People's Choice - Iconic Product.
These awards highlight the deck's impact and acceptance as a valuable tool for tarot readers and spiritual seekers.
Physical Specifications
For those interested in the physical attributes of the deck, the Second Edition specifications are as follows: * Card Dimensions: 3" x 5" * Book Dimensions: 6.0in x 9.0in * Pages: 168 * Cards: 80 art cards * Binding: Box Set * ISBN: 9780764353314 * Price: $34.99
It is noted that the mini deck version does not come with the book.
Conclusion
The Beautiful Creatures Tarot stands as a modern, award-winning deck that offers a unique pathway to spiritual insight. Through the collaboration of author J.r. Rivera and artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith, it provides a tool that is both visually captivating and spiritually functional. The deck and its companion guide encourage users to explore their inner landscapes, find beauty in the world, and connect with a mystical realm where clarity and positive energy are restored. For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers alike, it represents a resource for personal growth and understanding, grounded in the symbolism of mythical creatures and the traditional structure of tarot.